Badasahi: Water levels in the Budhabalanga and Gangahar rivers in Badasahi block of Mayurbhanj district are rising fast.
People in the riparian villages are panicky about possible floods. Reports said the administration is gearing up for action.
Rice, flattened rice, sugar, molasses and polythene sheets have been stocked at panchayat offices, said Badasahi BDO Rabindra Kumar Pradhan.
The upper reaches of the rivers had received heavy rainfall Saturday. Water levels in the two rivers started swelling Sunday afternoon.
Heavy rains have thrown normal life out of gear. About 41 villages of the block are located between the two rivers.
Whenever Budhabalanga starts swelling, people living in villages along the river get panicky.
People in villages along the Gangahar also fear floods.
The administration is keeping a close watch on the situation. The revenue inspector of Manatri visited low-lying areas and talked to the people.
In case of floods, immediate help will be provided to the affected, said Tehsildar Amiya Kumar Rout.
People fear that they would suffer huge losses if floods damage paddy and vegetable crops.
Meanwhile, local residents have started evacuating their domestic animals to safer places. There are three cyclone shelters at Baguli, Rangapani, and Kolakotha.
PNN